Sulfur for Scabies Outbreaks in Orphanages

Abstract

Scabies outbreaks occurred in two large orphanages in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Since we were concerned about the availability, safety, and cost of scabicides in Thailand, sulfur in petrolatum was our choice for mass treatment of the children. We studied the efficacy of sulfur in children 2 months to 6 years of age. After the treatment, 47% and 71% of the 102 patients were cured in 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively. Only three preschool children developed a mild facial irritation after the first application. This agent is a safe and cheap choice for mass therapy.

Quality of life of patients with scabies

“…The cure rate was lower than that of ivermectin (88%, 91%), 15,16 but higher than that for children patients using sulphur (71%). 6 Treatment of scabies by sulphur ointment may be a burden to scabies patients, because of not only the cumbersome procedures but also the odour of the ointment. Question 10 (treatment) was the highest individual mean score among patients treated, which reflects the limitations of the sulphur ointment.…”

“…This sequence of processes was repeated for 4 days. 6 A course of treatment was repeated 1 week later. Infested close contacts were asked to accept therapy simultaneously.…”

Arthropods in dermatology

“…Although not commonly used in the United States, 5% to 10% topical precipitated sulfur in petrolatum has also proven to be a safe and effective antiscabietic agent. 152 It is used in many parts of the world where other agents are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive, and its favorable safety profile makes it particularly useful in children. 152 One barrier to the compliance of treatment with sulfur is its foul odor.…”

“…152 It is used in many parts of the world where other agents are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive, and its favorable safety profile makes it particularly useful in children. 152 One barrier to the compliance of treatment with sulfur is its foul odor. 152 Treatment of crusted or Norwegian scabies is often difficult.…”

“…152 One barrier to the compliance of treatment with sulfur is its foul odor. 152 Treatment of crusted or Norwegian scabies is often difficult. Hyperkeratosis often prevents adequate penetration of topical scabicides.…”